What should a kitchen renovation contract include in New Brunswick?

A kitchen renovation contract in New Brunswick should include a detailed scope of work, itemized pricing, payment schedule, timeline with milestones, warranty terms, and clear language about how changes and disputes will be handled. A thorough contract protects both you and your contractor, and skipping this step is one of the most common mistakes NB homeowners make.

The scope of work is the most critical section. It should describe every task in specific detail — not just "install new kitchen" but a line-by-line breakdown: demolition of existing cabinets, countertops, flooring, and backsplash; disposal of debris; installation of 14 linear feet of semi-custom maple cabinets in Shaker style with soft-close hinges; installation of 35 square feet of quartz countertop in a specified colour; and so on. Every material should be listed by brand, model, colour, and quantity. If the contract says "quartz countertop" without specifying which quartz, you could end up with the cheapest option while expecting premium. The scope should also clearly state what is not included — this prevents misunderstandings about painting, appliance installation, or trim work.

Itemized pricing breaks the total cost into categories: demolition ($1,000-$3,000), cabinets ($5,000-$25,000+), countertops, flooring, backsplash, plumbing, electrical, labour, permits, and applicable taxes (HST at 15% in NB). This transparency lets you see where your money goes and makes it easier to adjust scope if needed. A single lump-sum price with no breakdown should raise concerns.

Payment, Timeline, and Protections

The payment schedule should tie payments to completed milestones, not calendar dates. A reasonable structure for a $25,000-$45,000 mid-range NB kitchen renovation might be: 10-15% deposit at contract signing, 25% when demolition is complete and rough-in begins, 25% when cabinets are installed, 25% when countertops are installed, and the final 10-15% upon completion and your walkthrough approval. Never pay the full amount upfront, and always hold back a final payment until you are satisfied with the work.

The timeline should include a start date, estimated completion date, and key milestones in between. It should also address what happens if the timeline slips — are there penalties for significant delays caused by the contractor? What about delays caused by material lead times or homeowner decisions? In NB, cabinet lead times (1-16 weeks depending on type) and countertop fabrication (3-6 weeks) are the most common schedule drivers, and the contract should clarify who is responsible for ordering and tracking these.

Your contract should specify permit responsibilities — typically the contractor pulls all required permits (electrical, plumbing, building) through your municipality or Regional Service Commission, and the cost ($75-$300) is included in the contract price. It should include a warranty clause covering workmanship for at least one to two years. Change order procedures should be spelled out in writing — any additions or changes to the scope must be documented with adjusted pricing and timeline before the work proceeds. This prevents disputes over verbal agreements.

Finally, confirm the contract includes proof of general liability insurance and WorkSafeNB coverage, a clause about site cleanliness and daily cleanup, and a process for resolving disputes. Keep a signed copy in a safe place. A well-written contract is your best protection on a project that typically represents one of the largest investments you will make in your NB home.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The New Brunswick Construction Network connects homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Gionetterenovations
• Thirty Four Renovations